Is Calathea Toxic to Cats? Definitive Pet Safety Guide

If you are frantically Googling “is calathea toxic to cats” while your tabby eyeballs your new Rattlesnake plant, you can relax. The short answer is no. According to the ASPCA, Calathea species are non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

You don’t need to panic, but you do need to understand why your cat might still throw up after eating it and how to keep your foliage intact.

The Short Answer: Calathea is Safe

We don’t deal in guesswork here. The safety of Calathea (many of which have been reclassified scientifically as Goeppertia) comes down to plant chemistry.

Unlike Pothos or Dieffenbachia, Calathea plants do not produce insoluble calcium oxalates. These are microscopic, needle-like crystals found in many tropical houseplants that shoot into the soft tissues of a pet’s mouth, causing intense burning and swelling.

Because Calathea lacks these crystals, chewing on a leaf won’t cause chemical burns or systemic poisoning. Your cat is safe from serious harm.

Why Your Cat Might Still Get Sick

Just because a plant is non-toxic doesn’t mean it’s cat food. Cats are obligate carnivores. Their digestive tracts are specialized for processing meat, not fibrous plant matter.

If your cat treats your Calathea like a salad bar, you might see:

• Mechanical Irritation: The rough fiber can irritate the stomach lining.
• Vomiting: Usually clear or containing plant bits. This typically happens once or twice and stops.
• Mild Diarrhea: This is less common but can occur if they ingest a significant volume (more than 1 or 2 leaves).

The Metric that Matters: If vomiting persists for more than 24 hours, or if you see blood, call your vet. That is not a reaction to a safe plant; it’s a sign of a blockage or another issue.

Know Your Plants: Safe vs. Toxic Look-Alikes

In the nursery, it’s easy to grab the wrong pot. Many tropicals have similar wide, variegated leaves. Before you put a plant on a low shelf, you must identify it 100%.

Here is the breakdown of Calathea versus common toxic plants that look somewhat similar.

Plant Name (Botanical)	Common Name	Pet Toxicity	Key ID Feature	Symptoms if Eaten
Calathea spp.	Prayer Plant, Zebra Plant	Non-toxic	Leaves feel papery or smooth; distinct patterns often with purple undersides.	Mild stomach upset (vomiting plant matter).
Maranta leuconeura	Prayer Plant	Non-toxic	Oval leaves with red veins; grows horizontally (trailing) rather than upright.	Mild stomach upset.
Dieffenbachia	Dumb Cane	HIGHLY TOXIC	Thick, fleshy stems (canes); leaves are often larger and waxy.	Intense oral pain, drooling, swelling, difficulty breathing.
Aglaonema	Chinese Evergreen	Toxic	Stems are green/white; leaves are glossy/leathery.	Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting.

Note: For a deep dive into the botanical classification of these plants, you can check the Wikipedia page for Calathea.

Action Plan: What to Do If Your Cat Eats It

If you walk into the living room and find a shredded Calathea leaf:

1. Verify the Plant: Check the tag. If you lost the tag, use a plant ID app or post a photo to a gardening forum to confirm it is indeed a Calathea.
2. Clean the Cat: Gently remove any leaf fragments from their mouth.
3. Hydrate: Make sure the water bowl is full. Fresh water helps wash down any lingering plant fiber.
4. Monitor: Watch your cat for 2 to 4 hours. You are looking for lethargy or excessive drooling. With a Calathea, you likely won’t see either.

Pro-Tips for Protecting Your Plants

You know the plant won’t hurt the cat, but the cat can definitely hurt the plant. Calatheas are fussy about humidity and damage; a chewed leaf will turn brown and never recover.

1. The “Green Distraction” Method

Cats often chew houseplants because they crave fiber or texture. Give them a “yes” plant. I recommend growing a pot of Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) or Orchard Grass (Dactylis glomerata).

• The Ratio: Keep 1 pot of cat grass for every 2 toxic-free ornamental plants. Place the grass in the most accessible spot (floor level), and the Calathea higher up.

2. Texture Deterrents

Cats hate sticky and crinkly surfaces.

• Foil: loosely wrap aluminum foil around the base of the pot. The sound and feel of stepping on it usually scares them off.
• Substrate: Top your soil with rough, decorative stones (1-inch diameter or larger). It stops them from digging in the dirt, which often accompanies chewing.

3. Elevation

Calathea loves high humidity. The air is often more humid higher up in a room if you have a humidifier running. Place your plants on shelves at least 5 feet off the ground or in hanging macramé planters. This mimics their natural understory position while keeping them out of reach of a lazy jumper.

Summary

You can keep your Calathea. It poses no chemical threat to your feline. The worst-case scenario is usually a pile of vomit on the rug and a ragged-looking plant. By verifying your plant ID and offering safe alternatives like cat grass, you can keep your garden lush and your cat happy.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the “Prayer Plant” (Maranta) also non-toxic to cats?

Yes. Maranta leuconeura is a close relative of Calathea and is non-toxic. Both close their leaves at night and are safe for homes with pets.

Can Calathea plant care products be harmful to cats?

Yes. The plant is safe, but fertilizers (especially liquid synthetic ones) and systemic pesticides are toxic. Always use organic, pet-safe pest control and keep fresh fertilizer stored in sealed containers.

Why do cats chew on plants even if they’re not toxic?

Cats chew for texture, boredom, or to induce vomiting if their stomach feels unsettled (like a hairball). It is an instinctual behavior, not necessarily a sign of hunger.

Can I use bitter apple spray to deter my cat from Calathea?

Yes. Bitter apple sprays are generally safe for Calathea leaves. Test a small 1-inch spot on a lower leaf first to check for discoloration before spraying the whole plant.

What if my cat eats a lot of Calathea leaves?

Monitor for vomiting. If they vomit more than 3 times in a day or refuse food for 24 hours, contact your vet. High amounts of fiber can cause a temporary intestinal blockage.